Surrey’s biggest show of its kind, the Claygate Flower & Village Show celebrated its 107th Anniversary on Saturday 17 July in its usual exciting and fun packed way to a throng of over 5,000 people.

Fingers were crossed for the weather, and we were not disappointed. The sun shone all afternoon and into the early evening on all those who attended and lingered in its warmth.

The Show was opened by the Mayor of Elmbridge, Cllr Barry Cheyne, who immediately took a very keen interest in the exhibits which numbered well over 1,500, a third of which were entered by children.

The 70 metre long exhibition marquee looked magnificent and boasted its fine array of flowers, fruit and vegetables, lovingly grown and shown by the exhibitors.  Many domestic offerings were also on show, including cakes, sponges, biscuits, jams and home-made wines.  There was some beautiful floral artistry, plus attractive displays of art and crafts, together with a vast range of photographic exhibits.  The junior section buzzed with activity all day and again there was a noticeable increase in the number of children’s exhibits.

This year marked the return of the Animals – always a firm favourite with the children, who revelled in stroking and cuddling them. Sharing a specially designated area with the farmyard animals, the Tomar Owl Sanctuary presented a number of rescued owls, both chicks and mature birds, the British Association of Beekeepers displayed a glass observation hive with worker bees and their Queen, and the RSPB provided most interesting and enlightening information on the preservation and protection of wild birds.

Beyond the large marquee, the funfair thrilled the younger members of Claygate, and there was plenty of fun to be had at the pony rides and the children’s races. The dog show and the classic car & motorbike display also attracted everyone’s enormous interest throughout the afternoon. The penalty speed-shoot featuring Claygate Royals FC proved to be a very popular feature this year, and in the main arena there was entertainment from Zoe Bennett’s Danzclub and Chadsworth Stage school.

The Claygate Scout & Guide Band marched through the ground to start the afternoon off, and gave another performance on the arena a little later, followed by the Kuk Sool Won traditional martial arts display which wowed all the onlookers.  Punch & Judy were very popular and made everyone laugh, and the Thames Valley Morris Men made a couple of appearances on the arena and were joined by a guest group of Morris dancers.

Thanks to magnificently generous donations from so many of Claygate’s small local businesses and organisations, the Grand Draw had a total of £500 in cash prizes together with a number of other goods and voucher prizes.

Click to view (5MB)

To the astonishment of our younger visitors and the amusement of the older members of their families the busy-bee stilt walker seemed to be appearing in all parts of the showground, and could certainly be seen from afar!

At the end of the afternoon the worthy prize winners received cups and trophies and awards were then made to the Claygate In Bloom front garden and pub-frontage winners.  Prize money was distributed, the Grand Draw was drawn and items donated from the exhibition tent were auctioned to lucky bidders. 

Another successful Claygate Flower & Village Show – and we are already looking forward to next year’s show on Saturday 16 July 2011…..so put a note in your diary!

President’s Welcome

Ronnie Wood from the Rolling Stones put Claygate on the map this year.  He was allegedly misbehaving outside a local restaurant in the old village, and attracted international media attention.  My friends from London started then enquiring about Claygate, to discover it is a lovely little village.  Yes, there are cows in the field while I wait on the platform for my train to London, I told them. There are some farms and village pubs and a good parade of shops, offering everything one would need and we have a big Flower Show once a year - and they were envious.

When I was a little girl I used to come to the Flower Show every Summer with my family.  I entered my budgie, in the pet’s tent, and got first prize, to my delight. My Mother won first prizes for her roses.  I remember the buzz of the fair, tightly gripping the painted horses on the carousel, the sticky toffee apples, the heat in the marquees and the smell of the sweet candy floss.  The marching band, the dog show, my poor goldfish in its plastic bag and families enjoying a day out.  We are so lucky to have a Flower Show like ours in Claygate, that is why we must nurture it.

How does a big show like this happen?  I will tell you.  A committee of loyal, dedicated, hard working people, who sit in a draughty village hall in the depths of Winter, once a month to discuss, organise and contemplate issues, so you can enjoy your day out.  Who was it who said there is no statue of a committee?  I want to personally thank the Committee for all their hard work this year, but we do have a laugh, I remember once discussing portaloos for
half an hour and yes, it is a bit like the ‘Vicar of Dibley’ at times!

So just take a moment today and reflect the happy special memories that you have of the Flower Show in past years, when you were small and enjoyed the show, as in years gone by.  Claygate is a unique place, let’s keep it that way and The Flower Show is very special.  I hope that you all enjoy the Show.

Susanne Tunnicliff, Flower Show President 2010

Information about the Show

The Claygate Flower Show, first held in July 1903, provides the big day out in the village and attracts to the recreation ground an attendance of 5,000 people. The date, this year, is Saturday 19th July.

It is primarily an exhibition of horticulture, flowers, arts and crafts in over 200 separate classes, all of which are properly judged with the award of cups and monetary prizes. There is a large junior section well supported by local schools and this display together with the main exhibition is presented in a 70 metres long marquee.

This, however, is only part of the day’s activities. There are continuous events in the main arena including children’s dancing, a brass band, Morris dancers and a professional comedy act.

Also to be seen and patronised are the numerous charity stalls, the refreshment pavilion, a couple of drinks tents, and beside all this a traditional funfair with the usual rides and entertainment.

The Show provides the opportunity not only for local people to meet in a convivial setting but also for them to show off what they can grow, make or design. There is great scope in the 200 classes ranging from runner beans and embroidery to portrait painting and Victoria Sandwich. It is fun to take part – and one might even win a prize!